By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Olu of Agboyi Kingdom, HRM Oba (Engr) Monsuru Abimbola Oladega, Akinmasa1, on Tuesday, commended the Nigeria Red Cross on the Odo-Ogun pedestrian bridge constructed by the organization.
Speaking during the official working visitation of the organization’s delegates to the ancient town held at the palace of Olu of Agboyi, Agboyi Ketu Lcda, Area of Kosofe, Oba Oladega commended the organization for their various developmental projects in the riverine communities.
The elated 4th Olu of Agboyiland, who gave a chronological historical background of the ancient town to the British, said it was established about six hundred years ago, just like every core Lagos ancient settlement.
“The aquatic splendour has always been their identity.” However, the British, who had a footprint of unforgettable history in Nigeria, left a landmark which has continued to be part of Agboyi history through the establishment of CMS Anglican Church by the Church of England.
“The Church later changed our stories by establishing one of the foremost primary schools in Nigeria in 1856. Education is light, and the British gave that light through the establishment of St. Barnabas Anglican Church primary school in Agboyi in 1856.
“I want to reiterate with all emphasis that the history of Lagos State is not complete without mentioning the Agboyi Kingdom.
“From the days of Portuguese exploration to the British colonisation, we have always contributed our quarters to the market of human existence. For the record, we voted for the Herbert Mcauley-led NNDP for the first time before independence in 1922.
“Agboyi Communities currently consists of Agboyi 1, 2, and three federal political wards. Time will not permit me to tell the story of Agboyi’s relevance in Lagos state, but there will always be a better time.
“I want to welcome the Red Cross, especially once again. The Red Cross is the answer to most prayers that would have led to disasters, but since the establishment of the Red Cross society, the world has continued to be a better place.
“Agboyi Kingdom can testify that the Red Cross is beautiful. I’d like to point out that if the government was run like the Red Cross, there would have been no need for a crisis that led to an epidemic.
“The Red Cross is the symbol of humanity in the world. How else can we describe a visitor who left the comfort of his home for the purpose of putting smiles on the faces of those he had never met? The Angels on Earth are the Red Cross.”
According to him, “The Red Cross, your organization has done so well in the areas of humanitarian services across the globe.”
Your laudable projects in my odogun and Agboyi communities will never be forgotten. “The construction of the foot bridge in Odo Ogun Community, the provision of grants to over 500 less privileged communities in Agboyi Communities at this critical time of the economy, which was ravaged by COVID-19, you have done so well.” However, consider this paragraph very important and very dear to our hearts. It will be the most valuable assistance you can provide for us. We will ask that you join us in the campaign to have a motorable bridge that will connect us to the entire community. This has always been the dream of kings who ruled before me, and I want to put that dream into reality during my reign as the 4th Olu Agboyi. I have traveled several times to London and I have seen several examples of beautiful islands connected by bridges in the UK. Our governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwolu, had promised us openly and privately that he would assist with the bridge’s construction, but we would appreciate it if you could also be our voice in a larger government meeting. The lack of a motorable bridge has set us back. Our pregnant women are mostly affected during child birth emergencies. The health centre can only operate between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday. Hence, we become vulnerable in the event of an emergency that requires urgent medical attention. The canoe can only do a little.He urged well-meaning Nigerians to lend their voices to the neglected community before the governor of Lagos state and everyone that can change their stories, among others.He thanked the Lagos state Red Cross family for putting a smile on the faces of many people in Agboyi, Odogun and the society at large.
The Honourable Baale of Odo-Ogun, High Chief Johnson Amodemaja Ogunmola, and Honourable Tajudeen Agoro from Agboyi, separately conducted the visitors round landmark buildings and cultural heritage, among others.
The Lagos Nigeria Red Cross, in partnership with the British Red Cross, constructed the Odo-Ogun pedestrian bridge to ease the means of transportation and to connect other communities, according to Mrs. Adebola Kolawole, the Chairman of the Nigeria Red Cross.
She noted further that the riverine communities and the state at large had benefited from the organization’s personal protective equipment distributions towards addressing any unforeseen disasters and cash transfers worth several million, among others.